Northwestern University’s McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science is redefining engineering education and research through its pioneering “Whole-Brain Engineering” philosophy, integrating the elements of left-brain thinking — analysis, logic, synthesis, and math — with the kind of high-level right-brain thinking that fosters intuition, metaphorical thought, and creative problem solving. Augmenting the analytical core of engineering with substantial initiatives in design, entrepreneurship, leadership and personal development, and unusual collaborations that span disciplines, Northwestern Engineering students and faculty are prepared to take the world in a whole new direction.

Northwestern Engineering comprises more than 1,800 undergraduate students, 2,000 graduate students, 190 faculty members across nine academic departments and varied programs, centers, and institutes. Northwestern Engineering staff members support innovative academic programs, an intellectual footprint that deepens the frontiers of knowledge, partnerships that catalyze education and research, and a diverse culture that embraces different viewpoints and ideas.

Job Summary:

Under the general guidance of the Director, the Associate Director provides administrative management of the Masters of Science in Robotics (MSR) program of the McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science at Northwestern University. Responsibilities include managing business administration, program administration, event planning, marketing and website management, student services, and industry relations. More specifically the Associate Director of MSR will manage: budget preparation and accounting, admissions process, day-to-day office activities, financial matters, program events, and educational operations of the program. The Associate Director will also manage the program’s staff, work studies and temporary employees.

Specific Responsibilities:

Designs recruitment campaign to generate new prospective students and applicants for program. Includes developing and implementing marketing initiatives (advertising and media exposure; writing and editing; direct mail; corporate visibility; alumni and student referrals); communicating with prospective students via e-mail, telephone, and mail; planning and hosting open houses, other recruiting functions, etc. Directs admissions process each year, including maintaining contact with, interviewing and evaluating applicants and orienting incoming students. Manage work studies and temporary employees who assist with high-volume application processing. Develops strategies to improve program’s competitive advantage in the market. Direct and oversee the MSR website and tracking and evaluating results

Manage and provide quality control for office operations and day-to-day program administration, including registration, business operations, student services, records, data collection and databases, and online student services. Designs and develops program strategy regarding structure, process, and support of students in compliance with NU policy. Maintain budget and accounting records. Development of the program’s operating budget each year, assisting Director with setting tuition costs. Monitoring spending across all budget areas – looking for improvements and making adjustments as necessary. Routinely monitors actual expense activity and reconciles monthly budget statements. Enters reimbursements and orders.

Secure and maintain industry partners for guest speakers, industry-supplied projects, internships and job placement. This involves attending conferences to make industry connections, working directly with industry partners to develop projects and internships, fostering good relations with partners, etc. Plans and executes conferences, monthly MSR seminar series, special events and other seminars and meetings. This involves identifying speakers, securing adequate facilities, arranging for catering, audio-visual, and set-up, tear-down, invitations, and all other activities needed to provide for a successful event.

Create and maintain student-focused environment and services that allow students to concentrate on school, enjoy the experience, and solve problems quickly. This includes acting as a liaison to other university offices, relaying concerns to the board and instructors, having a strong presence on class days, communicating important issues to students and planning activities and functions that help students feel connected to the program. Managing various MSR student spaces, ensuring students have adequate resources and are conducting research and educational activities in a safe environment. Manages classroom activities, including scheduling, room arrangements, developing materials for the Course Management System, and providing for audio-visual and other class needs. Acts as academic and career advisor to students.

Communicate with faculty about their courses, schedules, evaluation, and student issues. Manage MSR curricular planning, prepare materials for teaching and demonstrations, maintain up-to-date list of relevant electives for MSR and with program director, pursue development of new courses as appropriate. Orient new faculty and ensuring all faculty have required resources.

Collaborate with other McCormick Master’s Programs and the Assistant Dean for Graduate Studies.

Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively one-to-one, in small groups and in public speaking contexts;

Ability to write precise, well-organized emails, letters and proposals while using appropriate vocabulary and grammar;

Demonstrated ability to consistently display accuracy and attention to detail;

Follows and teaches others to follow a process/method for problem solving;

Ability to understand and interpret financial statements and reports including reconciling financial records;

Demonstrated business savvy and the ability to foster and lead cost-efficient initiatives without sacrificing quality or core values;

Effectively performs duties and responsibilities with attention to detail and support for organizational policies;

Preferred Qualifications: (Education and experience)

A master's degree in business, marketing, engineering, computer science or the equivalent combination of education, training and experience from which comparable skills can be acquired.

Familiarity with robotics and automation.

Public presentation experience.

Professional interest in Robotics and/or automation as illustrated by academic work history and membership in relevant societies.

Working knowledge of university software and systems (MYHR, NUFinancials, Salesforce, Pardot, etc.)

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

Experience managing financial assets responsibly with a focus on cost effectiveness and productivity;

Effectively performs duties and responsibilities with attention to detail while demonstrating support for organizational policies;

Demonstrated energy and desire to achieve and ability to take action that no one has requested to improve or enhance job results and avoid problems;

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the United States.

Internal Number: 35982

About Northwestern University

Northwestern University is a major private research university with 12 academic divisions located on three campuses in Evanston, Chicago, and Education City in Doha, Qatar. We have approximately 2,500 full-time faculty members, 17,000 graduate and undergraduate students, and over 5,700 full and part-time staff. Northwestern University combines innovative teaching and pioneering research in a highly collaborative environment. It provides students and faculty exceptional opportunities for intellectual, personal and professional growth.